HIS MISTRESS

The Friendship Triangle

"Morning Freya, I'm at your gate" I said to Freya over the phone.

"Alright, I'm on my way" she replied and quickly hung up.

"You're so early, I wasn't expecting you this early, is Peter not around?" she said while she winked at me followed by a warm hug.

"You sounded so serious on the phone last night, I was so worried. I'm even confused now with this sudden cheerfulness. Should I be happy or worried?" I asked as I cupped her cheeks in my hands while swiping her face sideways to check if she was really okay or hiding her feelings just to make me feel good. Freya only smiled without answering my question.

"Peter left very early this morning, he has a meeting with a client. Although, I didn't plan on going to the office this early, I couldn't wait to see you and find out what the issue is" I added as she locked the gate and we went in. She led the way while I followed closely.

"Please sit, should I get you tea or coffee" Freya asked as she walked over to the counter while I made myself comfortable in one of the couches.

"I'd like coffee, but not yet. Let's talk before anything else" I asserted while adjusting so she could sit directly beside me.

I love Freya so much, and I can't stay calm even with the subtlest hint that she could be unhappy. Our bond has grown really strong over the years, and we are practically inseparable. We've always lived together in the same apartment ever since we moved out of our dad's place right until last year when I got a job in a law firm. It was a little far to our place which caused me to spend the better part of my day on the road going to and fro. After a month, Freya and I decided it was best if I got a place close to work.

"You would not believe it if I told you. I've been so restless since we spoke last night, I mean, you sounded so serious on the phone. I woke up at the first alarm snooze this morning. Peter was even surprised to see me getting dressed that early since I told him I would be going to work later in the day." I clarified.

"Ruby, it's actually serious and I was really troubled last night but I'm getting over it now. I'm trying to get past it all. I'm sorry for getting you so worked up, I should have controlled myself more so you wouldn't sense anything." she said while blinking back the tears that was now welled up in her eyes.

"Freya, you're my sister, how will you feel if I'm going through something and I do not tell you. You are not a bother to me and you'd never be one. Also, you don't have to hold back the tears, it reduces the tension you know." I said while reaching into my purse to get a face wipe.

"Whatever the issue is, we'd get through it together. Take all the time you need. We'll talk when you're ready." I assured her while I wiped the tears off of her face but it was as if I did more harm as the tears wouldn't cease. I didn't stop either, I continued dabbing her corner eye even before any tear surfaced. After a while, it finally stopped.

"I'm okay now, thanks Ruby, I just don't…" she paused and cleared her throat. She then tilted her head towards the side of the chair and adjusted herself so she could directly face me before continuing.

"Ruby, I'm pregnant" she revealed as she sneaked a peek at me and then quickly looked away.

"Freya, that's good news!!!" I exclaimed

"Why are you so sad about it? don't you want one now?" I replied so excited.

"Although, I didn't know you were trying to get pregnant." I added, still excited

"I'm not trying to get pregnant, and it was not planned. Ruby, I'm not yet ready to be a mother, I still have so many things to do..." Freya retorted. She was about making a long list of excuses before I cut her short.

"Freya, don't say that, sometimes we don't know what we really want until it is staring us in the face and then we realise how much we need it. This right here, is a bundle of joy and I'm really happy for you, in fact, I can't wait to meet my niece or nephew." I said while smiling brightly.

"No, Ruby you don't understand..."

"I understand you perfectly, you still have some things to do, fine, accepted but it's here already. You can get a maid or a live-in nanny, and I will also help out. Unless there is something else you're not telling me." I quickly interrupted her.

"Is it Dave?, have you told him? He's not ready too, right?" I asked her while trying to figure out the reason behind the weird attitude.

"No, it's not Dave." she affirmed slowly.

"Then what is it, talk to me Freya." I chimed in impatiently.

"I don't know the father, it was a one night stand." she revealed and then burst into tears again.

"Oh no Freya, this isn't good, Dave would be so furious. How did it happen? You and Dave seem so close and serious" I added gently so she wouldn't mistake my words for disapproval.

"I can't even remember how it happened. The only time I stepped out on Dave was an evening when I went to a bar to get some steam off after a stressful day at work. I ended up making out with a guy there but it was so late and we were both drunk. I don't even remember his face or how we met. All I know is I am now pregnant for someone I know nothing about, not even his name. I'm pregnant for a total stranger Ruby." she said while she leaned forward and buried her face in her palms.

"It is okay Freya, we'd find a way out, just relax please." I said as I moved closer to her and also leaned forward while patting her gently on the back to calm her down.

"When Ruby? when will it be okay? It is not going to be okay, I lost a good man just because I couldn't control myself, I let my emotions get the best of me. I had so many alternatives you know, I could have gone home, your place or even to Dave but I chose a bar instead." she said as she raised her head and her face was all wet.

"I messed up Ruby, how am I ever going to face Dave? She continued, still crying.

"We will get to that later Fre, let's talk about the one at hand first. This doesn't change my stand though, I still think you should keep the baby, let Dave decide if he wants to stay or not. This is your first child Freya, you're going to love it when it is here, trust me." I assured her.

"How can you be so sure? I just don't want to bring a child into this world when I'm not ready." she chimed in with a confused look.

"Freya, you have been taking care of me since we were kids, you're more of a mother to me than our mother will ever be. Aren't you proud of how well turned out? I'm sure you will be a good mother to this baby as well." I asked while she nodded in affirmative. I then looked down at her belly which was still flat with no obvious baby bump yet.

"Really, thanks Ruby" she chimed in softly as she rubbed her belly and smiled.

"Hello little one, you are going have the most loving family and also the most amazing mum." I asserted while looking down at Freya's belly as if the foetus could hear me.

We both laughed it off and had coffee later. While at it, we made plans to meet the next day so we could go to the hospital and also get the things for the family dinner.